Might as Well Go Wild

"What happened?"

Someone was causing a scene in the courtyard.

"Madam, you promised us a share of the profits. You can't go back on that just because Old Zhao is gone."

"Old Zhao always gave us favorable prices. Now you suddenly want to take them away. I'd say it's because he's gone and you've lost all interest in running the business."

"If you can't manage the rope business as a woman, let the uncles in your family help."

"Now there's an idea!"

Madam Zhao looked frantic. She had nearly talked herself hoarse, but she kept pleading:

"My husband has only just passed away. There's much I don't understand yet, but I'll get it all sorted out. Please give me a little more time."

Someone called out, "If you can't get things straight, Madam, you might as well hand the business over to the clan uncles. It'll make no difference."

Madam Zhao's face paled. She forced a smile and said, "My husband spent decades building this business, and we still have a young son. How could I hand it over to someone else? Please give me a little more time. I promise I'll give you all a satisfactory answer."

"And our share of the profits..."

"You'll get it. All of you will!"

After much persuasion, Madam Zhao finally saw them off.

When she saw Shen Lantang and Xie Jin come out of their room, she wiped away her tears and gave them a rueful smile.

"It's my fault for being poor at business. Since my late husband passed away, our earnings have kept falling. That's why they've all started making trouble."

Shen Lantang's fingers twitched, but she restrained herself and said, "You've only just taken over, Madam. It's natural that things are unfamiliar. I'm sure you'll have a handle on it